Issues in Practice

At present only one child in a hundred goes to university from care. The findings of the research reported here suggest that, given the chance, far more of these young people have the potential to benefit from higher education. Local authorities, schools and universities should work together to raise aspirations and provide the financial, practical and emotional support that is needed. Going to University from Care is the final report of the five-year 'By Degrees' study, which followed three successive groups of young people entering higher education from a background in local authority care. The research was commissioned by the Frank Buttle Trust, which has a long history of providing grant aid to children in adversity and those lacking family support, and particularly of promoting their education, including supporting students and trainees in further and higher education. 'By Degrees' is designed to influence policy and practice at national and local levels.